Worcester have bolstered their squad by signing flanker Tom Harding from New Zealand provincial side North Harbour. The 23-year-old has agreed a deal which will keep him at Sixways until the end of the 2006/2007 season.

Harding has represented New Zealand at Under-19 & U-21 level, but by virtue of his parents has a British passport and qualifies for England and Wales. Worcester's director of rugby John Brain said: "Tom will considerably improve our strength in the back row."